Saturday, December 25, 2010

Former Governor Vying For Senate Minority Leader

KENTUCKY....
The GOP picked up four new members in the November election, giving them a 22 to 15 majority. Former Kentucky Governor and now State Senator Julian Carroll, D-Frankfort, is running in a hotly-contested battle to replace retiring Senator Ed Worley, D-Richmond, as Senate minority leader. Carroll is squaring off with Senator R.J. Palmer of Winchester. Carroll, 79, is the oldest member of the Senate and Palmer, 40, is the youngest. State Senator Kathy Stein, D-Lexington, who is one of the most liberal members of the Senate, declined to say who she is supporting. But, she says Democrats need a leader with a strong voice to challenge Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, who is running for governor next year. Senator Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, says the minority leader race pits liberals against conservative Democrats. Carroll is known for given frequent fiery floor speeches and is often one of a few Democrats to vote against Republican measures. Republicans, in turn, almost never allow any of Carroll's bills to pass.